Top 12 Lakes around St Cuthbert Out

While St Cuthbert Out itself doesn't have major natural lakes, the surrounding Mendip Hills area is home to several significant man-made reservoirs. These include Chew Valley Lake, Cheddar Reservoir, Blagdon Lake, and the Litton Reservoirs, all offering scenic beauty and recreational activities.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly walking options. The Litton Reservoirs have public footpaths around the lakes and across the dam. Chew Valley Lake features the hard-surfaced, all-weather Grebe Trail (1.2 km) and the Bittern Trail (1.5 km), which includes a boardwalk section. Additionally, the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is a popular gravel trail suitable for families.

Chew Valley Lake is a renowned destination for birdwatching, with over 270 species recorded, including significant numbers of wintering wildfowl. Cheddar Reservoir and the Litton Reservoirs are also excellent spots for observing various wildfowl and other bird species. The Somerset Levels Wetlands are particularly known for wetland wildlife like Egrets and Swans.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Chew Valley Lake is well-known for fly fishing, particularly for trout. Blagdon Lake is considered a premier destination for trout fly fishing, offering both boat and bank fishing. The Litton Reservoirs are stocked with high-quality trout, requiring a permit for fishing. Cheddar Reservoir also provides opportunities for angling for pike, tench, roach, perch, and eels.

Chew Valley Lake offers a 2.7 km recreational trail that is suitable for walkers, cyclists, and those with buggies or wheelchairs. The Grebe Trail (1.2 km) at Chew Valley Lake is also hard-surfaced and all-weather, making it accessible.

The lakes are beautiful year-round. For birdwatching, winter is particularly rewarding due to the significant numbers of wintering wildfowl at Chew Valley Lake and Cheddar Reservoir. Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions for walking and enjoying the wildflowers, such as primroses, bluebells, and wood anemones around the Litton Reservoirs.

Yes, Cheddar Reservoir offers a picturesque 2.25-mile circular public footpath around its perimeter, ideal for relaxed walking and cycling. The Litton Reservoirs also have a public footpath that circles the lakes and crosses the dam.

Chew Valley Lake has amenities including picnic areas, a tea shop, and restaurants like Salt & Malt and The Woodford, offering dining with lake views. Blagdon Lake has a fishing lodge that includes a tackle shop. The Somerset Levels Wetlands area also has pubs and eating places along its routes, such as Sweets Tea Rooms near Wedmore.

Beyond walking, you can enjoy cycling on routes like those found in the Cycling around St Cuthbert Out guide. Many lakes offer water sports; Chew Valley Lake and Cheddar Reservoir are popular for dinghy sailing, and Cheddar Reservoir also allows windsurfing. Some facilities at Litton Reservoirs offer paddleboarding and kayaking. For hiking, explore options in the Hiking around St Cuthbert Out guide.

While many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, it's important to be mindful of local regulations, especially around nature reserves and areas with livestock. For example, sheep graze around Cheddar Reservoir, so dogs should be kept on a lead. Always check specific signage at each location to ensure responsible pet ownership.

Many of these lakes are reservoirs with interesting histories. Chew Valley Lake, for instance, was created in the 1950s and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1956. Blagdon Lake, constructed between 1898 and 1905, features the Blagdon Pumping Station, a Grade II* listed building with preserved Victorian steam engines that offer a glimpse into its past on specific open days. The Litton Reservoirs were built around 1850 to supply water to Bristol.

Parking is available at several locations. For Chew Valley Lake, there is car parking along the causeway, particularly near the A368. Specific parking facilities are generally provided at the main access points for the larger reservoirs, but it's always advisable to check local signage upon arrival.